Florentine Neoclassical Majolica Cachepot, Italy c.1950s

An exceptional hand-made Florentine majolica cachepot, produced in Italy during the mid-20th century (circa 1950s–1960s), exemplifying the revival of Neoclassical design traditions rooted in Renaissance Florence. This piece features a continuous grisaille classical frieze depicting draped female figures in procession—musicians, dancers, and votive bearers—directly inspired by ancient Roman reliefs and Renaissance interpretations of antiquity. The imagery closely follows motifs popularized by Wedgwood jasperware and Grand Tour decorative arts, long favored by European aristocratic collectors. The body is finished in a deep cobalt blue glaze, richly accented with hand-applied gilding and a beaded egg-and-dart style rim, a hallmark of Florentine workshop craftsmanship. The interior is fully glazed, indicating it was intended as a luxury cachepot rather than utilitarian earthenware. Marked on the base in gilt: “HAND MADE IN ITALY – FIORENTINE” with studio reference “Sr 865”, consistent with post-war Florentine export production aimed at the international luxury market. ⸻ Historical Context Following World War II, Florentine ceramic workshops experienced a resurgence, producing refined decorative objects for export to the United States and Europe. These pieces deliberately echoed Renaissance humanism and classical antiquity, appealing to collectors furnishing traditional interiors, libraries, and grand homes. Florentine majolica from this period is increasingly collected today due to: • Limited workshop production • High labor content (hand-thrown, hand-painted, hand-gilded) • Strong ties to classical European decorative arts ⸻ Details • Origin: Florence, Italy • Date: Circa 1950s–1960s • Material: Hand-glazed Italian majolica (faience) • Decoration: Neoclassical grisaille frieze, hand-applied gilt • Markings: Gilt stamp to base (see photos) • Diameter: approx. 7 inches • Condition: • Very good vintage condition • Minor expected gilt wear and kiln irregularities consistent with hand craftsmanship • No cracks or structural damage ⸻ Collector Notes This is not mass-produced décor. It is a true artisan Florentine ceramic, made when Italian workshops still relied on traditional techniques rather than industrial processes. Comparable examples are held in private collections and appear in high-end European decorative arts markets. Ideal for: • Classical & Neoclassical interiors • Grand Tour–inspired collections • Library, console, or pedestal display • Serious collectors of Italian ceramics Dupont and Landsdowne